Shakespeare's Globe Evacuated Due To Football Firework Display

Shakespeare's Globe, from above © Britannica

At around 10pm last night, Wednesday 7th August, during a performance of Anthony and Cleopatra a full evacuation occurred as a rogue firework landed into the standing section of the auditorium.

As the play neared it's climactic finale, the sky (which can be seen clearly due to Shakespeare's Globe's famous lack of roofing) suddenly illuminated bright red and was accompanied by crowds of shouting and jeering.

It is believed that the firework was part of a larger illegal display set off by a group of football fans along one of the bridges connecting Southwark's Southbank to the City of Westminster.

A statement released by the venue said: “At 10pm on Wednesday 7 August, fireworks and flares were set off from Millennium Bridge. The Globe building was immediately locked down, and the audience and company were invacuated and held until 10.50pm when the Police gave notice that it was safe to leave. All audiences, company members, and staff were evacuated and got home safely.

“We are continuing to gather the facts regarding exactly what happened. The Globe Box Office will be in contact with all audience members who attended last night’s performance.

“As a major visitor destination in London, we have emergency measures in place. These protocols were followed in a calm and considered manner, and we would like to thank all our audience members, company members, staff, and volunteers for supporting us last night for a safe response to the situation.”

Audience members were held in the theatre's basement for around 20 minutes before being allowed to exit, after safe instruction was given from the Police. The performance did not continue.

This incident follows in the week that other shows up and down the country have cancelled due to the ongoing far-right domestic terror acts.